politics
March 21, 2026
‘We must preserve our traditions’: war casts shadow over Iranian Nowruz celebrations
Many Iranians were determined to mark the Persian new year despite the bombing entering its fourth week
TL;DR
- Iranians marked Nowruz amid heavy strikes in Tehran, with Israel claiming sole responsibility for an attack on Iran's South Pars gasfield.
- Some Iranians expressed determination to celebrate Nowruz, a traditional time of renewal, to preserve culture.
- Others found celebrating difficult due to destruction of businesses, loss, and a general lack of motivation.
- Vendors in Tajrish Bazaar reported a partial return of energy as people bought traditional items for Nowruz.
- Darya and her family prepared the traditional Haft Seen table, emphasizing the importance of traditions during difficult times.
- Erfan's pastry shop was destroyed by an airstrike, impacting his ability and motivation to celebrate.
- Chaharshanbe Suri, a fire festival preceding Nowruz, saw fewer participants and celebrations compared to the previous year.
- Hassan and his daughter Sajedeh faced challenges in their flower shop due to the war, with most of their stock spoiling.
- Despite business suffering, Hassan and Sajedeh decided to keep their shop open on Nowruz to offer a sign of hope to passersby.
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